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Archetypes, WWJD and Cultivating Clarity

Several years ago in certain circles of influence, the question, “What would Jesus do?” (WWJD) became a very popular catch-phrase for people to ask themselves. In short, the question was about getting you to see whatever problem or decision you were facing through someone else’s eyes. In this case, WWJD was inviting you to look at your circumstances through the eyes of Jesus.

When your world feels like it’s spinning out of control, when you’re experiencing emotional states of anxiety and stress or feeling like you are stuck in a moment that you can’t get out of, stepping into someone else’s shoes may be a very effective way for you to create new outcomes in your life.

By creating a shift in perspective, “What would Jesus do?” acts as an archetypical question. Psychologist Carl Jung used the concept of archetypes in his practice because he believed these mythic characters dwelt within the psyche of every person and helped facilitate breakthrough results.

In their New York Times best selling book, Super Brain, Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Rudy Tanzi discuss four different archetypes to help their readers see themselves through a new paradigm. I have taken the liberty to play with the names and definitions of these archetypes. That being said, I invite you to fully step into the persona of these four different characters and address whatever issue you may be dealing with today from their unique perspective.

The Brave Leader. The brave leader is courageous, strong, persistent, determined, respectful, focused and adventurous. He or she knows that they are the director of their movie, the writer of their script, the captain of their ship. This archetype takes action. Embracing the brave leader within you would mean completely letting go of any victim mindset. Letting go of all your excuses. Letting go of all blame.

Today I invite you to take a moment and ask yourself, “How would the brave leader address the present issue I am dealing with?” Step into the brave leader’s boots and listen to what he or she may have to say.

The Skillful Creator. The skillful creator is playful and imaginative. Since everything is a game for the skillful creator, he or she deals with any problem in a playful manner and with a curious mindset.
The skillful creator trusts his or her intuition and is a visionary at heart. Embracing the skillful creator within you would mean witnessing and celebrating the beauty, mystery and wonder of being alive.

Today I invite you to take a moment and ask yourself, “What does the skillful creator have to say about the decisions I am facing right now?” Step into the skillful creator’s shoes and listen to what this archetype has to say.

The Inspirational Teacher. The inspirational teacher is first of all an avid learner. He or she is passionate, thoughtful, empathetic and a great listener. This archetype also sees the very best in others and wants to see people thrive. Embracing the inspirational teacher within you is to become crystal clear on what it is you want and how you will use your gifts and passion to serve others.

Today I invite you to take a moment and ask yourself, “What could I learn from the inspirational teacher with regards to my choices around work and family?” Step completely into the persona of this archetype and hear what they have to say to you.

The Wise Steward. This archetype is one who cares deeply. The wise steward loves wholeheartedly and manages what is under his or her care with an attention to detail. The wise steward is clear about what is within his or her control, and what is not, and knows what is truly important in life. Embracing this archetype within you is to unconditionally love yourself and others, while taking very good care of your body and soul and the environment you live in.

Today I invite you to take a moment and ask yourself, “What would the wise steward say about about any issue I may be facing with regards to my health and well-being?” Step fully into their shoes and once again listen to what he or she may say.

Today’s Unitas Project:

When facing a challenge at work or at home, give yourself permission to fully and completely step into the shoes of the brave leader, the skillful creator, the inspirational teacher and the wise steward.

Play out your problem in the persona of each one of these archetypes and listen to what is being said. For example: Let’s say you are struggling with an ongoing issue at work. To help create a shift in the way you’re dealing with this problem, ask each one of the archetypes for their unique insight about the specific issue at hand. Fully step into the archetypes shoes and address yourself this way, “The brave leader says, (your name)…. “The skillful creator says, (your name)…. and so forth.

By traveling down this path you will discover a depth of being and resourcefulness that will surprise and delight you. And through this new experience you will be creating new neural connections within your brain that may lead to personal and relational breakthroughs. (Read The Four Essential Elements for Personal Breakthrough for more details.)